MEDICAL SERVICES Nursing Officer CURRENTLY RECRUITING

As an RAF Nursing Officer, you’ll be both a commissioned officer and a nurse. That means you will be trained to show leadership and management skills in a team environment, as well as providing excellent standards of nursing.

Full-time regular Spare time reserve

Learn more about this role

PAY STARTING LEVEL £37,180 - £45,750 depending upon post-registration experience

PAY RISING TO £58,650 on promotion to Sqn Ldr with increments up to £71,307

A potential Golden Hello of £30,000 may be available. Contact the RAF Nursing Liaison Team for details: [email protected]

Apply as a Regular


Day rate starts at: Depends on role, rank and experience

Is this for you?

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 22 - 47 (Must attest before 48th birthday)
  • You must have completed a BSc or Diploma in Nursing (Adult or Mental Health). You must be registered with the NMC with at least 2 years' post-registration experience. (Candidates may begin the application process at the 12 month point post registration).
  • Have 2 GCSEs (English Language and Maths or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade C/4-5 or Scottish Certificate of Education at a minimum of Grade 2 or Scottish National Equivalent grades at Grade 5 (Grades A-C). Non-graduate entrants require a total of 5 GCSEs (inc English Language and Maths). Educational waivers may be considered
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
  • Commit to minimum 12 years' service
  • Meet the fitness and health criteria
  • Pass a Fitness test - Details below
  • Complete and submit this CV form prior to application.
  • Now Recruiting Dual Qualified Nurses. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met.

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Travelling the world
  • Building and Problem solving
  • Helping people

Apprenticeships available

APPLICANTS MUST:

  • Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
  • You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register (Adult) with no restrictions to practice
  • Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
  • Commit 27 days per year
  • Pass a General Fitness Test

GREAT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN:

  • Analysis and maths
  • Helping people
  • Health care

Locations

502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex (Extremely limited vacancies)
612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife (Extremely limited vacancies)
4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire (Extremely limited vacancies)

VIEW ALL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Primary healthcare
  • Secondary healthcare
  • Aeromedical evacuation (evacuation of patients by air)

Nursing Officers provide the highest standards of patient care and lead teams in a variety of clinical environments. You will contribute to the development and delivery of cutting-edge military medicine and will adapt your practice to deliver nursing care in a wide range of challenging environments. Nursing Officers will be given the opportunity to undertake Aeromedical Evacuation training to ensure that they can operate in the often clinically challenging conditions that exist in aircraft.

The RAF employs its Nursing Officers in a wide range of general and clinical specialities. Professional training is available to continue to develop your practice in either specialist or non-specialist areas. Dependent on Service need, you could work in many and diverse areas including Primary Health Care, Occupational Health, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Burns and Plastics, Operating Theatres, Medical and Surgical speciality wards, Infection and Prevention Control and Mental Health. Wherever you work, you will be leading a highly motivated team of staff nurses and work as part of a multidisciplinary and often tri-Service team. To ensure you professionally broaden and to make the best of your qualities you can expect to have several assignments.

All Nursing Officers can expect to deploy on operational tours to provide care not only to RAF colleagues, but to those in other Services and often other nationalities.

Unified Career Management (UCM) is a new approach to managing cadres of people where the capabilities they deliver are very similar across two or more of the single Services (sS). Personnel within UCM cohorts will benefit from new and bespoke career pathways which offer individuals the opportunity to progress a career within specialist cohorts. Serving personnel will transfer to UCM Medical Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) on 1 January 2024 under their current engagement/commission type and length of Service (LoS), those joining the sS on/after 1 January 2024 will automatically be aligned with UCM Terms of Service (TOS).

All RAF Nurses are part of the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. Nursing Officers provide the highest standards of patient care and lead teams in a variety of clinical environments. You will contribute to the development and delivery of cutting-edge military medicine and will adapt your practice to deliver nursing care in a wide range of challenging environments. You will be leading a highly motivated multidisciplinary team. Nursing Officers can expect to deploy on operational tours to provide care not only to RAF colleagues, but to those in other Services and often other nationalities.

You will join your nearest geographically located RAF Medical Reserve unit: 612 Squadron at Leuchars Station, Fife; 4626 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire: 502 Squadron at Flying Station Aldergrove, Northern Ireland; or 600 Squadron at RAF Northolt, Middlesex.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Salary
Benefits Salary
Civilian Role
RAF Role
  • Rent from £75p/m
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Health care
  • World travel
  • 6 weeks holiday

See All Benefits

WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

  • Training
  • Free gym
  • Subsidised food
  • Paid pension
  • Paid holiday

See All Benefits

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL OFFICER TRAINING

Like other professionally qualified Officers, you will begin your RAF career with Initial Officer Training on the Specialist Officers Initial Training Course (SOITC) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. You will follow a challenging 13-week course designed to develop your leadership and management skills. The course includes fitness development, military training and academic study as well as practical leadership tasks.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

After the SOITC, you will complete the Basic Air Warfare Course and join your Medical and Dental Officer Colleagues on the RAFMS – officer Phase 2 Training Course which will orientate you to Military Medicine.

More Details +

FOUNDATION TOUR

Nursing Officers are usually assigned to Defence Medical Group (DMG) Units in hospitals in the UK for their first job in the RAF. At a DMG Unit you will work with other Nursing Officers and military/civilian nurses. You will be supported as you familiarise and orient to your new environment and responsibilities. Potentially, you will complete your Aeromedical Evacuation Training during this tour

YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS

You will join the RAF on an initial 12-year engagement (It is possible to exit during this period subject to 6 – 12 months’ notice). Pay, pension and service beyond the initial engagement (up to a maximum of age 60 years) are linked to performance and rank progression. Your initial rank will be determined by the number of post-registration years that you have completed (maximum initial rank of Flight Lieutenant). Further promotion to Squadron Leader and above is by competitive selection.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

Your career will progress through a variety of assignments providing a wide range of roles and responsibilities for optimal professional and personal development; there are abundant opportunities to progress both professionally and as an Officer.  The RAF’s Nurse Education Advisor provides guidance for those pursuing academic advancement within their field of clinical expertise, something which is encouraged. Over the course of your career, we will develop your military, managerial and leadership potential through a range of incremental Officer Development Courses at The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, a national and international centre of excellence.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

The experience you gain as a Nursing Officer in the military will be highly valued both by the RAF and by any future employer. We will continue to develop your nursing and leadership skills and ensure that we foster your adaptability and enthusiasm.

TRAINING AND CAREER

INITIAL TRAINING

RAF Reserve Officers will begin with Reserve Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC(R) Part 1, delivered locally at your Sqn. BRTC(R) Part 2 is a 2-week course conducted at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, which should be completed within your first year in the RAF Reserves. BRTC(R) is designed to teach basic military skills such as weapon handling and fieldcraft.

This is followed by Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises. Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Nursing Officers attend the Introductory RAF Medical Services Officers' Course at the Defence Medical Academy at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Be between 22 and 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday).

ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status). 

Be aged 18-54 (and meet all specialist/professional pre-requisites listed below)
Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You must have completed a BSc or Diploma in Nursing (Adult or Mental Health). You must be registered with the NMC with at least 2 years' post-registration experience. (Candidates may begin the application process at the 12 month point post registration).

Graduate entrants require 2 GCSEs (English Language and Maths or acceptable equivalents) at a minimum of Grade C (Grade 4 to 5 with effect from Aug 17) or Scottish National 5 (Grades A-C).

Non-graduate entrants require a total of 5 GCSEs (inc English Language and Maths).

Educational waivers may be considered.

You can see what the RAF accepts in lieu of GCSEs & A Levels here.

DUAL QUALIFIED NURSES. Nurses who hold a dual qualification in ‘adult nursing / adult mental health’ or ‘adult nursing / child’ and are active on Sub Part 1 & Sub Part 2 of the NMC register, will be considered if all eligibility criteria is met. In order to meet the NMC revalidation criteria for both registrations, the individual will have to maintain 450 hours in each specialist area over a 3 year validation period. Individuals will be placed where service needs lie and although support will be given to assist revalidation activities in both areas, the individual is ultimately responsible. The individual, with line manger support is to organise appropriate placements outside their primary role (in the form of an agreed job plan). Frequent liaison with immediate line managers and career managers is essential. Further guidance regarding maintenance of clinical hours can be found in JSP 950 Part 1 Lft 4-1-4 Annex D.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years will be considered.

Following the MOD announcement that the UK Armed Forces will now be able to recruit commonwealth citizens without the 5 year residency requirement, please note that the RAF continues to apply standard residency requirements for security clearance,  ie, DV employment requires 7-years UK residency immediately prior to enlistment; SC requires 3-years.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

The second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This consists of the following:

  • Achieving the required score on the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass these tests can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 9.03 20 35
17-29 11.11 9.10 20 35
30-34 11.36 9.04 19 32
35-39 12 8.09 18 29
40-44 12.26 8.03 17 26
45-47 12.54 7.07 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Multi-Stage Fitness Test Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (Score) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 6.07 10 32
17-29 13.23 7.02 10 32
30-34 13.47 6.08 9 29
35-39 14.13 6.04 8 26
40-44 14.48 5.08 7 23
45-47 15.19 5.04 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC/Fam Visit Protocols

You can download an MP3 file of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test below, listen to the introduction file first:

RAF MSFT: Intro

RAF MSFT: Bleep Test

You can see a video demonstration of the PRTC Fitness Test here:

RAF Fam Visit Fitness Test

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.



HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

You must be NMC registered on Part 1 of the register (Adult) with no restrictions to practice.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you. This consists of the following:

  • 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
  • Achieve the required number of press-ups - within 60 seconds
  • Achieve the required number of sit-ups - within 60 seconds

How fit you need to be to pass the test can vary depending on role, age and gender. The requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).

MALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 11.39 20 35
17-29 11.11 20 35
30-34 11.36 19 32
35-39 12 18 29
40-44 12.26 17 26
45-47 12.54 16 23

 

FEMALES - 100% pass rates:
AGE 2.4 Km Run Press-ups Sit-ups
  (Mins) (No.) (No.)
15-16 13.54 10 32
17-29 13.23 10 32
30-34 13.47 9 29
35-39 14.13 8 26
40-44 14.48 7 23
45-47 15.19 6 20

You can see the protocols for Press Ups & Sit Ups here:

PJFT/PRTC Protocols

A 12-week fitness plan with detailed information to help you get ready for all of the fitness tests can be downloaded here.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

BEFORE YOUR APPLICATION:

There are health requirements that must be met by all applicants:

  • Body Mass Index requirements:
Age Male and female minimum Male and female maximum Male maximum with additional assessment Female maximum with additional assessment
18 + 18 28 32 30
16 to < 18 17 27 27 27
  • Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.

Get in touch if you have any questions about the health criteria, or would like to find out if any additional health requirements apply to your role of interest.

DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.

BACKGROUND CHECKS

YOU MUST:

  • Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
  • Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
  • Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:

  • Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
  • Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
  • Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
  • Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive. 
    Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). In addition, tattoos must not be visible below the sleeve cuff while wearing uniform, although a single finger (not thumb) tattoo that could be covered by a ring may be permitted
  • Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
  • Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt

Beard Policy:

A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).

The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information contact your local AFCO.

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Regular

GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

Apply here and receive an email that invites you to your full online application.

Apply as a Reserve